Mary's fine hand crossed the tea table for a welcoming touch. "But
how nice to find you here! I'm trying to get some tea for Mr.
Putnam's aunt and mother, but, my dear--it's getting very thick
out there!"

"I can imagine it!" Harriet glanced toward the lawn.

"I've been wanting to see you," Mrs. Putnam said in an undertone.
"But suppose I carry them a tray first? Harriet, you are prettier
than ever. I love the green stripes! I've just been trying to
think how long it is since I've seen you."

"Not since the day you lunched with Mrs. Carter, and that was
almost two weeks ago!" Harriet's hands were busy with cups and
plates; now she nodded to a maid. "Mayn't Inga carry this to your
mother, Mrs. Putnam?" she asked. "And couldn't you stay here and
have some tea yourself?"

Mrs. Putnam immediately settled herself in the neighbouring chair.

"I'm chaperoning little Lettice Graham for a week," she began, in
the delightful voice upon which Harriet had modelled her own. "But
Lettice is trying her little arts upon Ward Carter. Dear boy,
that!"

"Ward? He IS a dear!" Harriet said, innocently.

"No blushing?" Mary Putnam asked, with a smiling look. The colour
came into Harriet's lovely face, and the smoky blue eyes widened
innocently.